Dixon lands Ford Le Mans 24H drive

Reigning IndyCar champion Scott Dixon will make his Le Mans 24 Hours debut after being named as part of Chip Ganassi Racing’s four-car Ford GT effort.

The New Zealander will pilot the #69 entry at June’s French endurance classic alongside full-time drivers Australian Ryan Briscoe and Englishman Richard Westbrook.

Dixon, who will join the squad for this weekend’s Sebring 12 Hours, is eagerly anticipating the opportunity to tackle Le Mans, which will see Ford return as a manufacturer effort 50 years on from its triumph by fellow Kiwi’s Chris Amon and Bruce McLaren.

“For once I’m the rookie as this will be my first Le Mans,” said Dixon.

“I’m excited to make my Le Mans debut in the Ford GT. I’ve been in the car a few times in testing so I know we have a great race car here.

“Like any driver it is a dream come true for me to race at Le Mans and I can’t wait to get started.

Dixon will pilot one of four Ford GTs at the Le Mans 24 Hours

“The history of Ford at Le Mans is very well documented and I’m proud to be part of this very special program.”

Chip Ganassi Racing has also confirmed that American Billy Johnson will join Stefan Mucke and Olivier Pla in the #66.

An all British line-up will pilot the #67 with former Nissan LMP1 driver Harry Tincknell joining Andy Priaulx and Marino Franchitti.

IndyCar star Sebastien Bourdais will join American Joey Hand and Dirk Muller in the #68 entry.